Is there a doctor in the house? Doctors Jeff Dobkin and wife Julie Thompson have been bitten by the wine bug. The only cure appears to be the Cabernet Franc of their family wine called “Couchant”. Recently relocated, Thompkin Cellars grapes are grown in Santa Barbara and then processed and aged in their Costa Mesa, CA facility.

With future plans for a Syrah and Grenache this is a winery worth watching.

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Ron, I have called and left msg. Please call me when time permits.
Thanks for your kind words. Its hard to know if we are on the right track without this kind of input. It really means a great deal to us to get positive feedback in your comments and, I hope, your vote.

Lenn,
Keep drinking up. We have enjoyed the LI variations on this varietal many times in the past. Will be sampling the Loire versions in Saumur at the end of the month. Should be delish!
JD
P.S. Go out and buy a CA version. We do it well too!

Karl,
We (Thompkin Cellars) could ship the wine to you directly if you would like. If you want something short of a half-case (or maybe 4 bottles) I would encourage you to call Hi-Times Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa CA (9496508463) or the Wine Exchange (7149741454). Glad you enjoyed the show!
Cheers
Jeff Dobkin
Thompkin Cellars

Barry, I am not sure how to answer your question, but I will give you my feeble attempt to answer the question. I frankly lack knowledge to answer your question in depth.
Are you asking from a viniculture standpoint? If so, the two varietals are from the same family tree. They both are among the chief Bordeaux varietals. The flavor profiles are similar, but not exactly the same. Cab Franc, tends to be more aromatic (expressive) than Cab. I often think floral when I drink the wine. Lastly, since the varietals are grown in different regions, the varietals often differ in flavor profiles. What accounts for those differences? I have no idea if it’s the terrior or some other factor, which is way over my head.

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